Pedro Neto could be out for the season with his latest injury, casting further doubt on a potential summer Arsenal transfer.

After being forced off during Wolves’ against Fulham in March after just 45 minutes, the news was confirmed that Pedro Neto has suffered another hamstring injury.

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil explained that it’s not the same hamstring as before, but it’s a very similar injury that could keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.

“Pedro, it’s potentially the end of the season for him – very similar to the injury he suffered on the other side,” O’Neil said.

“There’s a chance he gets back for the last couple if it goes really well.”

With little further information since that update a couple of weeks ago, the earliest Neto is expected back is May 11, one week before the end of the league season.

Reports had suggested that Neto would have an £80m valuation this summer, but that figure already appears to be dropping, with The Telegraph writing last month that his fee is now “set to be upward of £60 million”.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported that Arsenal want to bring in competition in the wide attacking area this summer, and Neto remains of interest.

But Ornstein added that it’s unlikely Arsenal would pay Wolves’ asking price of £80m for a player with a dodgy injury record.

That injury record is only getting worse, so even the recent price drop might not change things.

It’s worth mentioning that this rules Neto out of Wolves’ game against Arsenal, with the two sides set to face each other later this month.

With Wolves failing to progress to the next round of the FA Cup, the game can take place on the weekend of April 20th as planned, which will be much too soon for Neto’s comeback.

Neto’s injury record

Portuguese winger Pedro Neto has established himself as a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers in recent seasons. However, his progress has been consistently hampered by a string of injuries throughout his time at Molineux.

A stop-start start in the Premier League

Neto’s debut season in the Premier League (2019/20) was disrupted by minor injuries. He suffered a series of short-term setbacks, including a muscle injury, a knock, and a calf strain, causing him to miss a combined total of 10 games.

A devastating knee injury

The 2020/21 season proved to be Neto’s most challenging yet. A serious knee injury sustained in April 2021 sidelined him for 297 days. This setback significantly limited his playing time, restricting him to just five appearances throughout the entire campaign.

Signs of promise overshadowed by recurring issues

The following season (2022/23) offered glimpses of Neto’s potential. He remained largely healthy until October, when an ankle injury kept him out for 127 days. Despite this setback, he managed to play in 27 games.

A frustrating current season

The 2023/24 season has continued the unfortunate trend of injuries for Neto. He suffered a hamstring injury in October, missing nine games before returning in December. However, his return was short-lived, as another hamstring issue emerged in March, potentially ruling him out for the remainder of the season (as of April 2, 2024).

Looking ahead: Balancing potential with availability

Neto’s undeniable talent is clear. When fit, he provides a significant attacking threat for Wolves. However, his recurring injuries raise concerns about his long-term reliability.

Table: Injury breakdown